ni
/ˈni/
The Spanish phrase ni can be translated as neither, nor or not even.
It can function as 'neither' or 'nor' when connecting items, or to mean 'not even'. For added emphasis, the phrase ni siquiera is commonly used to mean 'not even'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word ni literally translates to 'neither', 'nor' or 'not even' depending on the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express 'neither… nor…' in a sentence, you must repeat ni before each item in the list. When used with a noun, ni can mean 'not even a single' item, such as in the phrase ni un centavo (not even a cent).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈni/
Examples in context
- No como ni carne ni pescado.I eat neither meat nor fish.
- Él no bebe ni vino ni cerveza.He drinks neither wine nor beer.
- No tengo ni tiempo ni dinero.I have neither time nor money.
- No asistiré a la reunión, ni tampoco enviaré una carta de disculpa.I will not attend the meeting, nor will I send an apology letter.
- No vino ni siquiera su mejor amigo.Not even his/her best friend came.
- Ni siquiera tengo dinero.I don't even have money.
- No quiero ni café ni té.I want neither coffee nor tea.
- Ni una palabra dijo ella.She didn't say even one word.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are looking for a movie to watch.
- SofíaNo me gusta esta película ni aquella.I don't like this movie nor that one.
- Alejandro¿Entonces qué quieres ver, Sofía?So what do you want to see, Sofía?
- SofíaNi yo lo sé, Alejandro.Not even I know, Alejandro.
- AlejandroBusquemos otra opción entonces.Let's look for another option then.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ni, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
